This fall two Lipscomb graduates are headed to Princeton University to pursue a Master’s of Divinity degree.
Lauren Calvin and John Paul Cooke both graduated valedictorian from Lipscomb in May of 2014.
Because of the influence of Lipscomb professors, both Calvin and Cooke decided that attending a graduate school was in their futures.
During her undergraduate career, Calvin discovered her many gifts in ministry.
“My psychology professor, Dr. Chris Gonzalez, was the first person who made me believe I was capable of doing well in grad school,” said Calvin.
Not only was Calvin’s calling affirmed by Dr. Gonzalez, but also Dean Barham.
“My Intro to Ministry professor, Dean Barham, had enough faith in me to ask me to speak at Woodmont Hills Church of Christ in the spring of 2013,” said Calvin, “He believed I was ‘called to preach.’”
Because of the strong encouragement from her professors, Calvin decided on the possibility of an independent career in ministry as a writer and public speaker.
After speaking at Woodmont Hills and carving a path for her future, Calvin began seriously looking at graduate schools.
Meanwhile, Cooke also affirmed his graduate school potential at an apprenticeship with Otter Creek Church of Christ.
“Dr. Walter Surdacki placed me in a youth ministry apprenticeship my second year that lasted until I graduated,” said Cooke, “This was a great opportunity for me to learn and practice skills that I learned in the classroom.”
In December, Calvin and Cooke began the application process, applying to Duke, Princeton, Emory and Yale.
“Princeton’s application process was probably the most thorough, requiring a personal statement, resume, academic writing sample, essay questions and a Skype interview,” said Calvin.
After waiting in uncertainty, Cooke was the first to receive his acceptance email from Princeton. Soon after, Calvin received hers, too. The two were also accepted to the other three schools they applied to.
After narrowing it down to Princeton and Emory, Calvin and Cooke toured both schools in March.
For Calvin, location was a strong factor when choosing between the two schools.
“I believe that different cultures are just as much or more of a learning experience than a classroom, and exploring the Northeast would expand connections and opportunities,” said Calvin.
Cooke relied on the advice of Dr. Phillip Camp, who received his Master’s of Divinity at Princeton.
“We made our pros and cons lists separately and then discussed it, and although they were a close tie, we decided that Princeton was the right choice for us, both independently and together,” said Calvin.
Princeton awarded Calvin with two scholarships: the Seminary Fellowship, covering full tuition plus a one thousand dollar stipend, and the Leadership Award, covering eight thousand dollars toward room and board costs.
Cooke was awarded with a grant that covered nearly one hundred percent of tuition.
Both are looking forward to the passionate faculty at Princeton, building relationships with other students, and exploring their new surroundings.
“The campus is beautiful and has a nice classic feel to it,” said Cooke, “Many of the buildings are reminiscent of the castle setting of Hogwarts.”